I have manufactured
Millivoltage source: manufactured asset versus prototype
some laboratory equipment for educational purposes in TalTech (small scale production). The devices are used in automation and control theory related courses.
Two types of devices were designed and manufactured:
- Digitally controlled millivoltage source (depicted here). This device features a rotary encoder with a push button—the user can change the output voltage (including negative voltage) by rotating the encoder, and cycle through available limits using the push button.
- Type K thermocouple amplifier—this is a simple, USB-powered device that is used in a measurement loop.
A few words
Hand-soldering such devices is almost never done. But for a small series, it is doable.
about technology. The digitally controlled millivoltage source PCBs were ordered from a manufacturing plant (with the exception of the prototype which I produced myself), while the thermocouple amplifier devices were all made using the toner transfer technology. All components were hand-soldered and the cases were 3D-printed.
I have also manufactured numerous DAQ and digital control boards which I have used in control experiments throughout my Ph.D. study. Some relevant papers can be found in the publications list.